I think the Mitsubishi Mirage will age really well

[kerc]

Why do I think that the Mirage is a vehicle that will age well?

I don't think fuels is going to get any cheaper--in fact, evidence shows the opposite. We all know that the Mirage excels in fuel economy, and right now is the most economical gas-only vehicle in the USA. So there's that, but there's a related factor that I really took into consideration...

Most modern cars rely on really advanced technology, like hybrids, to get excellent fuel economy. One of the things that I admire about the Mirage is that it achieves impressive numbers by going back to the basics: really small engine, extremely light weight, excellent aerodynamics. Just like Colin Chapman liked it. This raises the maintainability factor by quite a lot, and that works extremely well in conjunction with the fantastic 10/100 warranty here in the USA.

Simplicity is an admirable trait, and something most car writers just don't get (even though they ask for it).

Even though it's a light vehicle, you still get decent amenities: in my DE model, I get power windows, electric power steering, power mirrors, automatic climate control, and Bluetooth connectivity, among other things. Add to that the excellent safety ratings it has, and you get quite the decent package.

So, counting that the car will last quite a few years, I think the Mirage will age pretty well, and will become sort of a cult classic, maybe in a vein similar to the Geo Metro.

[festiboi]

Good points Kerc!

The Mirage is indeed like a spiritual successor to the Geo Metro; especially in exterior size, engine stats, and the overall concept of a basic, cheap, rugged, fuel-efficient car. Where the Mirage really differs are the features you mentioned on your DE model; the power windows/door locks/steering, automatic climate control, and Bluetooth, plus other things like curtain airbags or ABS. All of these features were not even available on any '89-94 Geo Metro and some of them of them didn't even exist. The Metro was truly a basic A-to-B car, which could explain their longevity. The Mirage, by comparison, has a lot more things that could go wrong, even though it's a simple car by today's standards.

I love very basic little cars and when I consider my next car, the Mirage may even have too many features for me. I'm paranoid about things going wrong (my last two cars, the Focus and an Escort, have continually had power windows go out) and things like those power accessories or automatic climate control may go out. For that reason, I've been tempted to look into a very basic Ford Fiesta S even; it still has manual windows, but at least still comes with AC and a CD player. Too bad they are only offered in white, grey, or black in that trim, yuck!

[cookiemonster]

I agree. It has a nice minimalist and practical demeanor about it. As I've written before, those reviewers who "just don't get" it are persons who do not understand or embrace that minimalist philosophy. Typical Americans, IMO, are largely maximalist consumers, so this little car runs counter to their worldview.

[Madison320]

I agree. It has a nice minimalist and practical demeanor about it. As I've written before, those reviewers who "just don't get" it are persons who do not understand or embrace that minimalist philosophy. Typical Americans, IMO, are largely maximalist consumers, so this little car runs counter to their worldview.

I'm expecting gas prices to rise MUCH higher for anyone who buys their gas in US dollars as a result of the unprecedented amount of money printing. There's going to be a lot more "minimalists" out there if gas hits $10 a gallon.

[MetroMPG]

I think the Mirage will age pretty well, and will become sort of a cult classic, maybe in a vein similar to the Geo Metro.

I think it's well on its way to cult classic.

Compare Mirage owners to Spark owners and you already see how much more active Mirage owners are: Mirage owners are more enthusiastic than Spark owners

And it's cool to see people interested in both the handling side (mods) and fuel economy side of the car. The same thing happened with the Metro/Swift.

[kerc]

I think it's well on its way to cult classic.

Compare Mirage owners to Spark owners and you already see how much more active Mirage owners are: Mirage owners are more enthusiastic than Spark owners

And it's cool to see people interested in both the handling side (mods) and fuel economy side of the car. The same thing happened with the Metro/Swift.

Comparison with the Spark brings up another good characteristic of the Mirage: Styling. While some claim it to be bland, I think it's efficient, modern, and doesn't fall into the latest styling fads like the Spark. I think the Mirage's design will also age pretty darn well, still looking as modern as efficient ten years from now, while the Spark will look dated and awkward.

The classic designs are always the simplest ones. Not saying the lil' Mitsu is a classic, but the design simplicity does help.

[festiboi]

Comparison with the Spark brings up another good characteristic of the Mirage: Styling. While some claim it to be bland, I think it's efficient, modern, and doesn't fall into the latest styling fads like the Spark. I think the Mirage's design will also age pretty darn well, still looking as modern as efficient ten years from now, while the Spark will look dated and awkward.

The classic designs are always the simplest ones. Not saying the lil' Mitsu is a classic, but the design simplicity does help.

Good point Metro. From a styling standpoint, the Mirage will probably age much better over time. The Spark may look fresher now, but all of those quirky creases, lines, and funky instruments will probably look dated in 10 years. Many adventurous designs, or ones that are gimmicky, don't age so well once the excitement is over. The radical oval 1996 Ford Taurus comes to mind vs. a more conservative 1996 Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Those cars still look contemporary while the Taurus screams "I'm from the 90's!"

I think people will look at the Spark in 10 years and think "that's so 2013!", and while the Mirage may not look fresh by that time, but it won't give away its age so quickly

[chris2004]

I'm expecting gas prices to rise MUCH higher for anyone who buys their gas in US dollars as a result of the unprecedented amount of money printing. There's going to be a lot more "minimalists" out there if gas hits $10 a gallon.

In Europe it already has.

[Ares]

Just posted an instagram pic on gas prices. Just reached 3.49 at (on of) the cheapest store in the county.

[TheTransporter]

Gas hit $1.25.9 per litre in edmonton alberta today... sooo glad i have this car coming!